CHAPTER 171
ROMEO POV
Minutes before the hallway
My office smelled like smoke, ink, and something floral I hadn't allowed.
Marina. She sat on my lap like it was her rightful place, wrapped in a silk robe that was more suggestion than clothing.
One leg draped over mine. One manicured hand resting on my chest, tracing slow, deliberate lines meant to distract.
I didn't touch her. Didn't pull her closer. But didn't push her away.
Across the desk, Antonio stood with a folder tucked under his arm, posture straight, face unreadable.
He'd already clocked it—the tension, the restraint, the lie we were all sitting in.
Marina laughed softly, leaning back against my shoulder. "You've been working nonstop," she murmured. "You should relax, babe."
I stared past her, at the dark window behind my desk. My reflection stared back. If she had any idea how much effort it took not to throw her off me, she wouldn't be smiling.
